New campaign seeks to reduce injuries among young athletes

Injuries among young athletes have been on the rise in recent years, leading the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to launch a prevention campaign highlighting the risks and prevention efforts.

STOP Sports Injuries will release public service announcements and encourage athletes, parents, coaches and health care providers to sign an online pledge to support measures that reduce sports injuries.

"Regardless of whether the athlete is a professional, an amateur, an Olympian or a young recreational athlete, the number of sports injuries is increasing," said campaign co-chair Dr. James Andrews, "but the escalation of injuries in kids is the most alarming."

Rosemont, IL-based AAOS reports that approximately 3.5 million children 14 and younger are treated for sports injuries every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-half of sports injuries among children are preventable.